Paranoid darts

The Desert Oracle is the aptly-coined “Voice of the Desert,” a pocket-sized field guide that recalls something of a mix between a FoxFire Book, the Farmer’s Almanac and Weekly World News. Ken Layne, writer, desert enthusiast and brains behind The Oracle, also leads Campfire Stories at our Palm Springs waypost every first Thursday of the month, where he regales eager listeners with tales of desert beasts and ancient legends. Gather round — next one’s September 7. In the meantime, a glimpse into the Desert Oracle’s library. 

Five Books In Every Desert Lover’s Library

By DESERT ORACLE

People have been writing about the desert since the days of Abraham, so there are plenty of books on the topic. If you demand great writing with your desert education, start with these five essential books. You can find used editions in many desert towns, or buy them at your local bookseller or national park gift shop.

The Desert 1901 by John C. Van Dyke

Desert Solitaire 1968 by Edward Abbey

Desert Wildlife 1961 by Edmund Jaeger

Land of Little Rain 1903 By Mary Austin